For two days each week, retiree Diana Green volunteers with children who are finding school difficult, offering the patience and consistency that can help them regain confidence. Her work at Mimi’s House has earned her the 2026 Westfield North Lakes Local Hero award and a $20,000 grant for the program.
Read: North Lakes Local Heroes Finalists Support Inclusion, Education and Recovery
At Mimi’s House, the emphasis is not on conventional classroom lessons. Primary school children spend time in a home-like environment, practising everyday skills, building relationships and getting the support they need to feel more settled at school.
Diana has become a familiar adult in that setting. She takes time to understand each child’s circumstances and feelings, offering steady encouragement rather than expecting quick results.
“I’m motivated by a passion for making a positive impact in children’s lives, and by gratitude for my own happy childhood and my own family,” she told Westfield. “The joy and energy that the kids give is rewarding.”
The Idea Behind Mimi’s House
The program began in the Deception Bay area and works with primary schools to help children at risk of disengaging from education. Its approach recognises that a child struggling in class may also be dealing with social, emotional or family difficulties that make learning harder.
Children from Prep to Year 5 attend weekly sessions focused on their social, emotional and physical development. Activities are designed to develop confidence and life skills in a setting that feels different from a classroom.
For Diana, volunteering has also brought a new sense of purpose in retirement. She attends two days a week and is known for her calm approach, giving children time to become comfortable and build trust.
A More Welcoming Place to Learn
The $20,000 award has a practical purpose. Westfield’s earlier finalist information said Mimi’s House planned to use the funding for an internal repaint and new carpet, making the setting warmer and more welcoming for participating children. Those were proposed improvements at the time of the finalist announcement; the work should not be described as completed.
The planned refurbishment reflects the program’s emphasis on environment as well as activities. Children who have had difficult experiences at school may respond differently when they can learn and interact in a smaller, supportive setting.
Mimi’s House operates under Hope Ventures, with a focus on intervening before children become more disconnected from education. Its work relies on partnerships with schools and the regular contribution of volunteers such as Diana.
North Lakes’ Three Community Finalists
Westfield North Lakes announced Diana as its 2026 Local Hero on 20 October. The $20,000 grant goes to Mimi’s House, not to Diana personally.
Two other finalists each receive $5,000 for their organisations. Christine Neiland leads Rainbow Care Home Services, which provides inclusive support to LGBTQI+ people, including those who have experienced discrimination. Lou Feltham Smith founded Miracle Mums Movement, helping women rebuild their lives following domestic and family violence.
Read: Moreton Bay Finalists Named for Westfield Local Heroes
North Lakes Today reported on all three finalists when voting was underway in September. Diana’s selection brings new funding to a program with roots in Deception Bay and a continuing focus on children who need additional support to engage with school.
About Westfield Local Heroes
Since 2018, Westfield Local Heroes has recognised people whose volunteering and community work make a difference. Each 2026 winner secures a $20,000 grant for their organisation; the other two finalists at each centre receive $5,000 each.
The program has recognised 1,116 community leaders and provided more than $11 million in grants across Australia and New Zealand.
Know someone making a difference? Nominations for 2027 are now open: Westfield Local Heroes.
Published 22-Oct-2026
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